Jason T Smith identified as murderer in Melissa Ketunuti case

A 36-year-old man was charged Thursday morning in the killing of a pediatrician who was found bound and burned inside her downtown Philadelphia home.

Sources have confirmed to The Global Dispatch that the man was taken into police custody Wednesday after being captured on surveillance near 35-year-old Melissa Ketunuti’s house around the time of her slaying.

The suspect is an exterminator who had a job scheduled in the area and allegedly followed Ketunuti to her home and then attacked her inside of the home.

The video was reviewed which led police to the man’s truck where more evidence was discovered.

CBS 3 reporter Walt Hunter says that Smith confessed to the crime and sources say that Smith told investigators that he committed the crime because he felt like Ketunuti was disrespecting him and was making fun of him.

Investigators say the cause of death was likely strangulation: a rope had been found around her neck. Investigators also say Ketunuti’s wrists and ankles were tied behind her back.

About the Author

Butter Bracco - Roxanne "Butter" Bracco is the Pittsburgh Correspondent, but will be providing reporting, insights and interviews for the Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio and West Virginia regions. Contact Roxie aka "Butter" at theglobaldispatch@gmail ATTN: Roxie or Butter Bracco